CSKA Moscow Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Тороп/Бориско/Акинфеев · Абдулкадыров/Мойзес · Данилов/Лукин · Виктор/Бандикян · Круговой/Рейс · Кисляк/Баринов · Обляков/Козлов · Аззи/Гайич · Олейников/Алвес/Фиров · Глебов/Кармо/Попович · Мусаев/Гонду/Воронов

CSKA Moscow aims to control matches through high intensity and rapid verticality in a 3-4-3. This formation focuses on winning the ball back high up the pitch and using wide players to stretch the defence. The lineup is built to exploit spaces behind the opponent's midfield and create quick chances in transition.

In goal, Akinfeev provides a massive presence and uses his vast experience to organize the defensive unit. The back line functions as a back three, where Lukin and Danilov act as central defenders to hold the line. Viktor occupies the right side of the central trio, while Moises covers the left. This three man unit is designed to defend zonally, with the wide centre backs ready to step up and intercept passes or cover the space behind the wing backs.

The midfield operates with a central duo and two wide players to control the pitch. Oblyakov and Barinov act as the engine room, where Oblyakov looks to drive forward with the ball and Barinov works to shield the defence. The wing backs, Krugovoy and Azzi, provide the width, pushing high to overlap the attackers and support the offensive phases. This midfield setup allows the team to compress the midfield when defending and quickly switch play when the ball is won.

The attacking front line uses three players to pin the last defender and create constant threats. Oleynikov and Glebov operate as wide attackers, with Oleynikov looking to cut inside while Glebov stays wide to deliver crosses. Musaev leads the line as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and link up play between the lines. The goal is to create runs in behind and isolate one on one situations for the wingers by using combinations in tight spaces.

A significant advantage for CSKA Moscow is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger a press. The formation also offers wide overloads because the wing backs and wingers can combine to create numerical superiority on the flanks. This setup allows the team to maintain compactness when defending while remaining ready to hit in behind on the transition.

This 3-4-3 formation provides a high level of pressure and wide attacking presence. It is best suited for games against opponents that play a high line or struggle to deal with rapid transitions.